Moral Rights of Future Generations and Our Responsibilities in this Context

Advancement in scientific knowledge and technological tools provided us with the unique capability to predict the outcomes of our actions and to mold our future. It is unfortunate that profusion of knowledge could not stop the present generation from perpetrating actions that threaten not only the existence of humans but also the planet itself. The fundamental factor of the exploitative or authoritative approach to nature is the gap between moral values and the practical implementation of these values. The sheer disparity between our knowledge and actions introduced intricate and compelling philosophical and ethical questions regarding the present generation’s actions and the rights of future generations. For example, do future generations have rights on present generations? If yes, on what basis their rights are considered to be logical and ethical? Do we have any duty to future generations? Rights of future generations are inextricably related to social and environmental justice. There are many arguments on whether future generations have rights or not but most environmentalists support that future generations have moral rights on present generations because actions, decisions and policies regarding the environment taken by present generations will impact positively or negatively on future generations. The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and moral values to construct a positive and respectful approach to nature so that the present generation can resolve environmental crises and leave a habitable planet for the future generations. Since we know that rights and duties are reciprocal, in this paper, I will try to show that present generation are morally of obligated to bequeath a habitable world for the future generations.